It a well-known fact: there’s no winter like a European winter. The perfect time to stroll along snow-flecked cobble stone streets or browse through numerous Christmas markets with a steaming cup of glühwein in hand – winter treats you to an unspoiled view of the top winter destinations in Europe with majestic metropolises to quaint hamlets devoid of the tourist frenzy from the summer months.
Winter vacations in Europe, however, are not only for holidaymakers seeking quieter retreats, they’re also ideal for those in search of budget winter travel destinations. Vacationers who brave the cold are rewarded with off-season prices like and discounted hotels.
Here are the four best European cities to visit in winter 2016 where you are guaranteed to have one of your best winter holidays to date:
Top winter destinations in Europe: Vienna
Some cities are simply on their most beautiful in winter and is certainly one of them. Bask at the Austrian capital’s Old-world charm by taking in the city’s grandiose Baroque architecture bedecked in intricate Christmas displays. If contemporary is more your style, visit the famed MuseumsQuartier where ice pavilions, lighting installations, ice curling rinks and concerts turn one of the largest art and culture complexes in the world into a winter playground. Wander along the River Danube and stop at some of Vienna’s over 20 Christmas markets from the popular Rathausplatz to the less commercial Belvedere Palace. Once you start feeling the winter chill, pick from the string of cafés and bars in Vienna’s imperial squares to warm up before venturing out and discovering everything else the city has to offer.
Direct start at EUR 39.99*
Top winter destinations in Europe: Zurich
Not many people think of as one of the best European cities to visit in winter. But rest assured, those who aren’t in the know are missing out. Switzerland’s financial centre sheds its no-nonsense exterior every winter in exchange for festive cheer. Take a leisurely walk in Zurich’s brightly lit Old Town and stop at popular museums like the Kunsthaus and Landesmuseum Zürich to absorb Switzerland’s storied historic and cultural past. Travellers craving for a party won’t be disappointed with Zurich’s pulsating nightlife, while those looking for more adrenaline-filled adventures will find themselves in the perfect gateway to the Swiss Alps. Whatever you choose to do, don’t forget to reward yourself for a ‘European winter vacation well done’ by gorging on the epicurean Swiss delights of raclette and cheese fondue.
Direct start at EUR 34.49*
Top winter destinations in Europe: Marseille
Snow and frost is rare in but it remains as one of the best European cities to visit in winter to get into the holiday spirit. The city maintains its colour and charm even in the winter as its hosts the annual La Foire aux Santons, where hundreds of artisans display hand-painted terracotta nativity scene figurines unique to the Provence region. While everyone gathers to watch the folk musicians and parades that coincide with the fair, head to the Vieux Port by the Mediterranean Sea – the city’s usual hub of activity – and relish the unique chance to have it all to yourself. Find out what ‘cozy’ really means by watching pleasure boats resting for the season and siting at one of the seaside restaurants to sample Marseille’s signature dish: a warm serving of bouillabaisse.
Direct start at EUR 34.49*
Top winter destinations in Europe: Salzburg
Nestled against a chain of Alpine mountains, the storybook town of has long been a favourite destination for the best winter holidays in Europe. The stuff of fairytales – with looming clifftop fortresses, manicured parks and majestic fountains blanketed by crisp snow – it offers an unrivaled beauty that’s sure to warm any traveller’s soul. Skate the day away outside the Schloss Leopoldskron, the home of the Von Trapps in the Sound of Music, or celebrate Salzburg’s famous son Mozart’s winter birthday during Mozart Week, a popular classical music fest taking place between January and February. When it’s time to unwind, take a dip in one of the hundreds of spas and hot springs in Salzburg, or head to Christmas markets and munch on a well-deserved lebkuchen biscuit while sipping the traditional mulled wine.
Direct start at EUR 39.99*
*Prices shown above are per person and based on two people flying on the same booking. The prices are up-to-date as of 6 December 2016. Check easyJet’s website for more information about flights to the best winter destinations in Europe.
easyJet/Expatica
Photo Credits: viennaslide.com (Vienna), Reto Schlatter (Zurich), Tiia Monto (Marseille), Viator.com (Salzburg).
Originally published in Expatica for easyJet
